Shloka 1.40.10
सगरपुत्राणां रसातलगमनम् — The Descent of Sagara’s Sons and the Wrath of Kapila
भूय: खनत भद्रं वो निर्भिद्य वसुधातलम्।।।।अश्वहर्तारमासाद्य कृतार्थाश्च निवर्तथ।
pitur vacanam āsādya sagarasya mahātmanaḥ |
ṣaṣṭiḥ putra-sahasrāṇi rasātalam abhidravan || 1.40.11 ||
Receiving their father Sagara’s command, his sixty thousand sons rushed toward Rasātala, the nether regions.
Rive the earth again and excavate, capture the one who has stolen the horse and return after having accomplished the purpose. Safety to you!
Filial and royal obedience is shown as dharma: the sons act immediately upon the father-king’s command, reflecting duty within hierarchical order.
Sagara’s sons, tasked with the search connected to the stolen horse, descend rapidly toward the netherworld in their pursuit.
Ājñā-pālana (obedience to rightful command): prompt execution of duty, though later narrative warns that zeal without discernment can lead to harm.